Tag Archives: diagnostics

IBM scientists have created a one-step point-of-care-diagnostic test based on an innovative silicon chip that is easy to use and can test for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease. The results are so quick and accurate that a small sample of a patient's serum or blood, could be tested immediately following a heart attack, to enable the doctor to quickly take a course of action and to predict the patient's survival rate.

IBM scientists have encoded the forces of capillary action on a microfluidic chip made of a silicon compound, similar to those used in computer chips, thus leveraging IBM's vast experience in developing and manufacturing silicon semiconductor wafers. The chip, which measures 1 × 5 centimeters, contains sets of micrometer wide channels where the test sample flows through in approximately 15 seconds, several times faster then traditional tests. Uniquely, the filling speed can be adjusted to several minutes when the chip requires additional time to read a more complex disease marker.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Technology Review has released its annual report on 10 Emerging Technologies of 2009. I always look forward to this article for it consistently reports on the interesting work going on in labs and academic institutions. The articles also provide a human element, telling us the person behind the work…how they have worked hard to innovate in the field they are researching.

The 10 emerging technologies MIT presents in this article have the potential to create fundamental shifts in areas from energy to healthcare, computing to communications. Some of the listed technologies could reach the market within the year, others may take years, but all are expected to have a huge impact in the years ahead. All of them are interesting to read and think about. Here the list along with lots of links for more information.

Liquid Battery:Donald Sadoway, a materials chemistry professor at MIT, has developed a liquid battery that could store enough electricity to allow cities to run on solar power at night. For more information: Liquid Battery

Traveling-wave Reactor: John Gilleland, manager of nuclear programs at Intellectual Ventures, is leading the development of a reactor that would run on depleted uranium, making nuclear power safer and less expensive. For more information: Traveling Wave Reactor

Paper Diagnostic Test: George Whitesides, a professor at Harvard University, is using paper to create easy-to-use medical tests that could make it possible to quickly and cheaply diagnose a range of diseases in the developing world. For more information: Paper Diagnostics

Biological Machines: Michel Maharbiz, an assistant professor at the University of California, Berkeley, has developed interfaces between machines and living systems that could give rise to a new generation of cyborg devices. Michel's wirelessly controlled beetle could one day be used for surveillance or search-and-rescue missions. For more information: Biological Machines

$100 Genome:Han Cao, founder of BioNanomatrix, has designed a nanofluidic chip that could dramatically lower the cost of genome analysis. Cao's chip could cut DNA sequencing costs dramatically. Combined with the right sequencing technology, Cao’s chip could allow doctors to tailor medical treatment to a patient’s unique genetic profile, map new genes linked to specific diseases, and quickly identify new viruses and outbreaks. For more information: $100 Genome

Racetrack Memory: IBM fellow Stuart Parkin has created an entirely new type of data storage on an ultradense memory chip using magnetic nanowires. This “racetrack memory” could eventually replace all other forms of computer memory and lead to tiny, rugged, and inexpensive portable devices. For more information: Racetrack Memory

HashCache:Vivek Pai, a computer scientist at Princeton University, has created a new method for storing Web content that could make Internet access speedier and more affordable around the world. For more information: HashCache

Intelligent Software Assistant:Adam Cheyer, cofounder of the Silicon Valley startup Siri, is leading the design of powerful new software that acts as a personal aide. This virtual personal-assistant software helps users interact more effectively with Web services to complete tasks such as booking travel or finding entertainment. For more information: Intelligent Software Assistant

Software-Defined Networking: Stanford computer scientist Nick McKeown believes that remotely controlling network hardware with software can bring the Internet up to speed. He has developed a standard called OpenFlow that allows researchers to tap into Internet switches and routers to easily test new networking technologies with the click of a mouse—all without interrupting normal service. For more information:Software-Defined Networking

Nanopiezotronics:Zhong Lin Wang, a materials scientist at Georgia Tech, is pioneering the field of nanopiezotronics. Wang is creating piezoelectric nanowires that generate electricity using tiny environmental vibrations; he believes they could power implantable medical devices and serve as tiny sensors. For more information: Nanopiezoelectronics